2018 Ford F-150 Transmission Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Ford F-150?
1,014 owners have reported transmission problems on the 2018 Ford F-150, 44% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 17,000–96,000 miles. 4 recalls cover this area.
1,014 complaints 44% of all 2018 complaints 60,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (332 of 1,014). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Transmission complaints by the year the problem happened.
Transmission complaints by F-150 year
Related recalls
Fast shifting can select the wrong gear
Crash riskQuickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive can make the gear display drop out and briefly select an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral. The vehicle can then move in an unexpected direction, raising the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: The dealer will update the powertrain control module software at no charge.
Recall 26V375000 · Jun 2026Automatic transmission
A roll pin may not have been installed in the transmission, potentially causing a loss of the "Park" function. Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission to make sure it has the roll pin, installing one if it is missing, free of charge.
Recall 18V213000 · Apr 2018Gear position indication (PRNDL), Automatic transmission
The gear shift cable clip may not be properly seated, allowing the transmission to be in a different gear than indicated by the gear shift lever position. If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear. Additionally, despite selecting 'Park', if the parking brake is not applied before the vehicle is exited, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the shift cable locking clip and properly seat it, if necessary, free of charge. Ford's number for the recall is 18S10.
Recall 18V214000 · Apr 2018Quick shifts can select the wrong gear
Crash riskMoving the column shifter quickly from Park to Drive can briefly drop the gear display and select Reverse or Neutral instead of Drive. The car can then move in a way the driver did not intend, raising the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module at no charge.
Recall 17V669000 · Oct 2017Get an email when your 2018 Ford F-150 gets a new recall
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Other 2018 Ford F-150 problems
Common questions
What are common 2018 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
Complaints most often name the automatic transmission, control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) and transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE).
At what mileage do 2018 Ford F-150 transmission problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 17,000–96,000 miles. The middle value is about 60,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
Yes: 26V375000, 18V213000, 18V214000, 17V669000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which F-150 year has the most transmission complaints?
The 2013 F-150, with 1,342 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.